How to Find a Cheap Accountant

Hiring an accountant doesn’t have to be expensive. Prices across the UK vary enormously – and with the rise of online accountancy firms, there’s now a genuinely affordable option for almost every type of business. This guide shows you how to find one, what to pay, and what to avoid.

Do you actually need an accountant?

For many people, the answer is yes – but the type you need (and what you pay) depends on your situation. You probably need an accountant if:

  • You're self-employed and filing a Self Assessment tax return
  • You've set up a limited company
  • You're VAT registered or have employees
  • You're spending hours on admin that should be spent on your business
  • You don’t know the types of expenses and reliefs you can claim (and you’re overpaying tax

    as a result)
If your finances are simple, and you’re confident using HMRC’s free tools – you may not need an accountant (but you will need efficient accounting software).

How much does an accountant really cost?

It really depends on things like your business type, whether you go online or choose a local accountant as well as if you need additional add-ons (like payroll for example).

Service Typical Low Typical High
Self Assessment return £150 £400+
Sole trader accounts £200/yr £800/yr
Limited company accounts £500/yr £2,000+/yr
Online accountant (monthly) £25/mo £150/mo
VAT return £100 £300+

Online accountants are almost always cheaper than high-street firms – they pass on the savings from lower overheads. For most freelancers and small businesses, a remote accountant is more than sufficient.

Where to find an affordable accountant

The term accountant is unregulated – meaning anyone can call themselves one. Thankfully there are ways to spot the qualified from the unqualified by looking for accountants with ‘protected titles’.

The titles you’ll be looking for are ones like ‘Chartered Accountant’ or ‘Certified Accountant’.

To fine qualified accountants, you can check on:

What does a tax accountant do?
  • Official directories (for example, icaew.com to find a Chartered Accountant)
  • Comparison platforms (check out our accountancy packages to find qualified, cheap accountants)

It’s important you have efficient accounting software too. Xero, QuickBooks, and Pandle all offer a comprehensive range of features across different price points, and won’t tie you to working with one accountant. Some accounting packages will include a software option alongside the service too, which can be cost-effective.

The easiest way to find a qualified, affordable accountant? Compare our accountancy packages.

How to compare and choose

It’s important to compare accountancy packages before locking yourself into a year-long contract. Before you choose, make sure you:

  • Get at least three quotes - prices for the same service can vary by 2-3x
  • Check they're regulated - ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, AAT, or CIOT (tax specialists)
  • Ask what's included - some quotes will bundle in services you don’t need or use, so you’ll end up paying more than you should
  • Confirm they hold professional indemnity insurance
  • Read Google and Trustpilot reviews; ask for a client reference

How to reduce your accountant’s bill

The last thing you need is overpaying for a package that drains your profits. You need to ensure you:

  • Only buy what you need (don’t include any unnecessary add-ons because you may need them in future, you can always add it later)
  • Bundle your services for a package discount (for example, bookkeeping + VAT + accounts) • Consider how you’d like to pay (it can be 5-10% cheaper if you pay annually, but if you pay
  • Consider how you’d like to pay (it can be 5-10% cheaper if you pay annually, but if you pay monthly it can be much better for cash flow)
  • Use accounting software to avoid costly mistakes and save time (some accountants offer free software with their packages)

Red flags to watch out for

The good news is most accountants are perfectly legit. But it pays to know what a bad one looks like – just in case. Red flags include:

  • Not registered with a recognised professional body - walk away
  • Vague pricing or no written engagement letter upfront
  • Suspiciously cheap (a £50 tax return is almost certainly cutting corners)
  • No professional indemnity insurance
  • Pressure to sign up on the spot

Common FAQs

Yes, if they’re qualified and regulated. Online accountants are often cheaper because they can be more efficient, not because they cut corners.
Absolutely. A good new accountant will handle the transfer and request a professional clearance letter from your old one. If you can help it though, try and steer clear from changing before a major filing deadline to avoid any confusion over who is filing what!
Software records your finances; an accountant interprets them, spots savings, and finds any errors. Many small businesses use both.
A good one should help you claim missed expenses, advise you on your business structure, and use allowances effectively – which can help pay for the accountant’s costs themselves and some.

Ready to look for an accountant? Compare accountancy packages here.